ISL: Bengaluru FC continue unbeaten run with 2-1 win over ATK

Kolkata, October 31: Bengaluru FC continued their unbeaten start to the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018 with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over ATK at the Swami Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Wednesday (October 31).

A first-ever ISL goal for 18-year-old Komal Thatal (15’) had put ATK ahead but strikes either side of the halftime break from Miku (45+3’) and Erik Paartalu (47’) ensured Carles Cuadrat’s men held onto the third spot on the table. ATK, meanwhile, slumped to a third loss of the season and find themselves placed fifth with seven points from six matches.

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After a cagey start, the match sparked into life in the 15th minute when ATK surged ahead through Komal. Everton Santos was the architect with a sumptuous through-ball from midfield which Thatal got to before holding off Nishu Kumar and sending an arrowing finish into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Komal Thatal's solo effort was not enough to gift @ATKFC all 3 points as @bengalurufc scored two past their defence!

After taking the lead, ATK sat deep and defended resolutely as Bengaluru strived for the equaliser. Miku should have restored parity five minutes later when Nishu picked him out with a cross from the left. However, the Venezuelan’s thumping header was straight at Arindam Bhattacharya who parried it instinctively.

Steve Coppell’s side looked well organised in defence following that and were looking to counter-attack while Bengaluru saw most of their attacks break down in the final third. However, ATK were dealt a blow when striker Kalu Uche was forced to go off after suffering a groin injury.

At the stroke of half-time, Gerson Vieira committed a foul on Miku right outside the penalty box. Miku rolled the free-kick to Dimas Delgado before finding the top-corner of Bhattacharya’s near post with a brilliant finish to pull the Blues level.

Bengaluru continued their momentum into the second-half and took the lead within two minutes. Delgado’s free-kick into the box was headed out by Ricky Lallawmawma. But it fell to Paartalu whose venomous half-volley could not be kept out by Bhattacharya.

Bengaluru kept possession and frustrated the home team who lacked a focal point in attack. However, Manuel Lanzarote did fashion a couple of opportunities with his guile and passing ability but to no avail.

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